D.C. police officer indicted for attempted murder of wife

A veteran D.C. police officer has been indicted on attempted murder charges for trying to kill his wife at their Prince George’s County home, authorities said.

Officer Samson Lawrence III faces charges of attempted first- and second-degree attempted murder, two counts of assault and two counts of possessing a dangerous weapon with intent to injure, according to Prince George’s County State Attorney Angela Alsobrooks.

Lawrence, a school resources officer with 23 years with the Metropolitan Police Department, has been placed on administrative leave, and had his badge and gun taken away, according to police.

According to Prince George’s County prosecutors, on Nov. 24, in Accokeek, Lawrence became angry with his wife because she could not find screws to hang a projector. Lawrence sprayed a can of Lysol in her face and told her to make him something to eat.

When she refused, he allegedly began pushing her, prosecutors said. She then tried to leave the house, but Lawrence followed her and allegedly pushed her to the floor in their living room, picked up a metal light post and began to hit her in the head while she lay on the floor.

Lawrence’s wife attempted to call 911, but Lawrence allegedly grabbed the phone and held two large kitchen knives to her throat and threatened her. She finally managed to run to her neighbors house and call 911.

The victim suffered a cut on her head that required five staples and a hairline fracture to her right wrist.